Local places · 384 stories
Cafés in Korea, told firsthand by local bloggers — with photos and Google Maps.
Gyeongju Tokyo Pie is a handmade pie shop on Hwangridan-gil in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk. I packed a six-piece, three-flavor gift set and liked the crisp pastry, crunchy apple, smooth red bean filling, and neat box, though I had to walk from a public parking lot.
Ugly Tongue is a café in Yeonsu, Incheon, where I ordered a Brain-Booster smoothie and blue spirulina ice cream. The ₩16,000 smoothie felt pricey, but I was impressed that it was made without ice, and the ice cream was smooth; parking must be in the J Block building.
The Baum Gyeongbokgung Branch is a dessert café in Jongno, Seoul, one minute on foot from Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 2. I tried coffee and several baumkuchen varieties; their creams and toppings gave each one a different texture, and the hanok-inspired space was a calm place for a short break.
Mimi Coffee Bangatgan is a café in Sunseong-myeon, Dangjin, with parking in front and an outdoor terrace. I ordered the Mimi Cream Latte, strawberry latte, and desserts; the cream latte balanced sweet cream with bitter coffee, while the drinks and desserts were generally quite sweet.
Jitheunsan is a flourless terrine cake café in Mapo, Seoul. I ordered chestnut terrine and an oat latte while reading, and found the rich chestnut flavor, soft texture, and calm atmosphere especially pleasant.
Pino Cafe is a large brunch café in Pungse-myeon, Cheonan, with an outdoor garden and baby facilities. I visited with my mother, younger sister, and 13-month-old niece on a weekday morning, sharing pilaf, pizza, and a sandwich outdoors. The garden was quiet, and moving around with a stroller was comfortable.
Pulse Line Coffee is a café in Gwanak, Seoul, where I went to work on my laptop alone. The two-person tables, backrest chairs, and outlets were comfortable, and while I enjoyed the brûlée pie, I preferred the rich, dense black sesame pound cake.
Cafe KIWA is a hanok café on Chodangwon-gil in Gangneung, with a courtyard garden and window seats overlooking it. I visited on a weekend afternoon with my father and husband for the signature lattes and tile-shaped cake; the restrained sweetness and cozy setting made it good for a family conversation.
Forest Jeongbang is a café in Seogwipo, Jeju, with two floors, a rooftop, and a terrace. I ordered an Americano, Jeju matcha latte, and tangerine yogurt rice cake; the cake and lightly sweet latte were good, though the sea view from my first-floor seat was limited because the second floor was full.
Ward Coffee Gusan Station Branch is a café near Gusan Station in Eunpyeong, Seoul, offering takeout 1-liter bottled drinks and desserts. I stopped by with my family during a weekend walk and took home cold brew, hazelnut cold brew latte, and choux cream manju. The coffee was generously sized, and I especially remembered the crisp manju and kind welcome for my baby.
Pink Wall Cafe is a pink-themed bakery café on Yongyuseo-ro in Yeongjong, Incheon. I visited with my family for photos, drinks, and soft bagels; pets can join you on the outdoor terrace and in the greenhouse, but not indoors.
Gangneung Sand Main Branch is a dessert café on Seonggogyang-gil 5beonan-gil in Gangneung. I bought coffee and black sesame sandwiches as gifts during a trip with my mother, and we both enjoyed their distinct flavors.
